How to Drive in Snow

Driving in snow is very different from driving on dry or wet tarmac. It's a lot easier to lose control of your vehicle. Things to be aware and things to do when driving in snow or on ice.

1. Reduce your speed
When between your vehicle and tarmac is layer of snow or ice, forget about fast driving. Your speed must be adjusted accordingly to yours and your vehicle/tyre capabilities. Remember it doesn't matter how long you have had your driving licence or how many miles you have driven in your life - because someone else on a road can endanger you.

2. Increase distance between you and other road users.
Any vehicles braking distance is greatly increased on snow or ice.. It's very important if you drive in region were snow is a rare thing and not everyone has snow/ice tyres as you can stop in less distance than someone else behind you on normal tyres. Remember the more space you have between other cars the more time you will have to react to emergency situation.

3. Do not make any sudden moves.
Even one sudden steering wheel movement can lead you to closest tree or ditch. Change of travel should be done as gently and smooth as possible. Remember on tarmac vehicle has a lot more grip, and many people seem to forget that when driving in snow or on ice, so don't make this error in judgement.
Break early before turns, and select lower gear if you are driving manual and take a turn as slowly as possible.

4. Breaking
You should be smooth not only with accelerator and steering wheel but breaks also. Most of modern cars are equipped with ABS which helps you maintain control of your car whilst breaking in slippery conditions. If your car doesn't have ABS try and imitate it by pressing and releasing brake pedal with strong and sharp movements. If your car has ABS equipped don't be afraid - just floor it. In addition to brakes if your car has manual gearbox you can use that to your advantage by breaking with engine. To do so change to lower gear gradually but remember it only works if you have a lot of distance to stop.

5. Control your skidding.
If you loose control of your car don't panic and don't make it worse as it is stay calm. You have to react instantly by turning steering wheel in opposite direction gently and smoothly - don't take your hands of the wheel!
As you know different cars have different drive trains if your car is:

Rear-wheel drive release throttle and steer in opposite direction

Front-wheel drive throttle pedal has to be pressed and steer in opposite direction don't release it under any circumstance whilst skidding.

All- wheel drive (4wd) - It's harder to make all wheel drive car skid but it's also harder to correct it. It depends on type and system of your car's 4wd system and power distribution between axles. With 4wd car its different you have to steer in direction of skidding (rear and front wheel drive cars steer in opposite direction) and balance throttle by pressing and releasing it gradually.